Catlins artists co-operating to promote talent in gallery

Artists in the Catlins are banding together in an effort to raise their profile and to encourage others with similar interests to join forces and promote the area's untapped talent and resources.

The Catlins Art Co-op has set up its own gallery in downtown Owaka and wants to use the skills and talents of local artists to help make the area a national and international tourist destination for like-minded people.

Surat Bay-based felter Natalie Souness and Pounawea potter Jude Winchester, who helped devise the idea, said they wanted a base for skilled artists to work and display their wares.

They could form a unified group and could entice artists from around the world to the Catlins.

Russell Kirk has offered the Craig St building rent-free for a year to see if the idea gains traction and Ms Winchester said word was spreading.

The co-operative would act as an umbrella organisation, offering artists a physical work space to practise and enhance their skills, a retail outlet to sell their products, a mutually supportive network, a co-ordinated marketing group and a supportive environment.

The co-operative planned to work alongside other Catlins retailers and businesses to promote the region.

As well as a base for skilled artists, Ms Winchester said there was early talk of establishing art retreats and art summer schools.

Aside from plenty of art-related seminars, the region's setting made it ideal to explore for inspiration, she said.

In time, the co-operative planned to gather strength in numbers and seek funding from art organisations.

Volunteers and artists staffed the gallery, allowing it to have a working studio.

So far 10 artists had joined and Ms Winchester said any others should contact either her (03) 4158 959 or Mrs Souness on (03) 4158 243.

The gallery opens from 10.30am, except Tuesdays.